Standalone NMIT ‘best news for Nelson’
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith has welcomed the Government announcement today that NMIT will be re-established as a standalone entity.
“A vibrant, standalone polytechnic is critical to Nelson and the region’s future. This announcement by Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds that NMIT will become a standalone polytechnic again is the best news for Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.
“This positive decision for NMIT follows months of submissions and lobbying by the region’s three councils, eight Te Tauihu iwi and four business organisations. It shows the Government has listened, trusts regions to manage their own institutions and that it recognises the importance of skills development to growing regional economies.
“NMIT was founded in 1905 with land donated by Nelson City Council and it grew into one of NZ’s most successful polytechnics. It was well governed and had $12 million in cash reserves. We felt hard done by when the financial problems of others forced it into the mega-merged Te Pūkenga. The extra bureaucracy of Te Pūkenga added costs and weakened local industry links. Talented staff were lost in the turmoil. Nelson also lost the opportunity to market our city’s unique advantages as a great place to study.
“I must pay tribute to NMIT’s Executive Director Olivia Hall, and her team who worked hard to improve our case by containing costs, growing enrolments and making NMIT financially viable. This work was pivotal to today’s successful outcome,” Mayor Nick says.
“I also want to acknowledge the team effort that has advocated for today’s welcome announcement. Tasman Mayor Tim King and Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor along with the region’s two chambers of commerce, two economic development agencies and the leaders of the eight iwi of Te Tauihu o te Waka a Māui all joined in making submissions and lobbying for NMIT to be independent polytechnic.
“We are one of New Zealand’s most geographically isolated regions, meaning that for many students who cannot relocate for financial or family reasons, NMIT is the only opportunity for them to upskill and gain a tertiary education.
“We also have a unique range of industries with specialist skill requirements such as viticulture, where we produce 85% of NZ’s wine and 60% of NZ’s seafood exports from our fishing and aquaculture industries. Our region also has a strong aviation sector and connections with the RNZAF Base Woodbourne
“The top of the south economy lags in the productivity statistics and further education is a key driver to improving output and incomes for people. Growing Nelson as an attractive place to study for students from outside the region and overseas is also an important economic opportunity.
“There is now a big job ahead to rebuild NMIT. We look forward to the passage of the legislation and the appointment of a new polytechnic council. Key steps will be re-establishing links with local industry and redeveloping NMIT’s international brand and market. Today’s announcement is a red-letter day that gives our community confidence of NMIT’s long-term future for the city and the region,” Mayor Nick says.
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